levigate
[ verb lev-i-geyt; adjective lev-i-git, -geyt ]
/ verb ˈlɛv ɪˌgeɪt; adjective ˈlɛv ɪ gɪt, -ˌgeɪt /
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verb (used with object), lev·i·gat·ed, lev·i·gat·ing.
to rub, grind, or reduce to a fine powder, as in a mortar, with or without the addition of a liquid.
Chemistry. to make a homogeneous mixture of, as gels.
adjective
Botany. having a smooth, glossy surface; glabrous.
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Origin of levigate
OTHER WORDS FROM levigate
lev·i·ga·tion, nounlev·i·ga·tor, nounun·lev·i·gat·ed, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use levigate in a sentence
Fineness of texture is produced by extreme grinding and levigation.
Field's Chromatography|George FieldThe levigation of kaolin and making of porcelain have already been touched upon incidentally.
The Ceramic Art|Jennie J. YoungThere is no reason for believing that the finer processes of powdering and levigation were known.
Ancient Pottery of the Mississippi Valley|William H. HolmesLevigation is resorted to in the preparation of paints on the small scale, and in the elutriation of powders.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II|Arnold Cooley
British Dictionary definitions for levigate
levigate
/ (ˈlɛvɪˌɡeɪt) /
verb chem
(tr) to grind into a fine powder or a smooth paste
to form or cause to form a homogeneous mixture, as in the production of gels
(tr) to suspend (fine particles) by grinding in a liquid, esp as a method of separating fine from coarse particles
adjective
botany having a smooth polished surface; glabrous
Derived forms of levigate
levigation, nounlevigator, nounWord Origin for levigate
C17: from Latin lēvigāre, from lēvis smooth
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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